What is sleep apnea?
A common breathing disorder, still underestimated
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a chronic condition in which the airway partially or completely collapses during sleep, interrupting breathing repeatedly throughout the night.
This relaxation of the throat muscles, often without awareness, leads to drops in blood oxygen levels, disrupts deep sleep, and can have serious health consequences: chronic fatigue, cardiovascular issues, reduced concentration, and more.
Your sleep apnea diagnostic journey at our clinic
Step 1: Ask the right questions
Check our list of symptoms to see if you recognize yourself.
Complete the Epworth Sleepiness Scale to assess your level of daytime sleepiness.
Step 2: Get a prescription
A sleep study (cardiorespiratory polygraphy) requires a medical prescription.
It can be issued by a physician, dentist, or specialized nurse practitioner (NP).
Once this step is completed, we take care of the rest to make your experience as simple as possible.
Step 3: Complete your sleep study
Book online or contact us at 514-604-8484 or info@laboiteacpap.ca.
Our respiratory therapist will walk you through everything. You’ll go home with a light, easy-to-use device.
You return the device the next day. A second night is offered free of charge if there is any issue with the first recording.
Step 4: Understand your results
A specialist will analyze your data, and a respirologist (pulmonologist) will prepare a report with recommendations.
You’ll receive the report by email within 15 to 20 business days, and so will your referring clinician.
Step 5: Find the right treatment for you
If CPAP therapy is recommended, we offer rental or purchase options, with flexible financing.
We also help you with insurance claims, and other solutions may be considered depending on your situation.
Symptoms
Loud snoring: One of the most common signs of obstructive sleep apnea.
Breathing pauses: Often noticed by a partner, indicating repeated interruptions in nighttime breathing.
Excessive fatigue: Persistent daytime sleepiness even after a full night’s sleep.
Morning headaches: Often caused by low oxygen levels during the night.
Difficulty concentrating: Sleep apnea can affect memory and focus.
If you experience these symptoms, a sleep apnea test is recommended to confirm the diagnosis and determine the right treatment, such as positive airway pressure therapy.
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and increased risk of accidents.
Chronic fatigue also affects your quality of life. A sleep apnea test helps detect the condition early to prevent long-term complications.
Why take a sleep apnea test?
A sleep apnea test is essential to diagnose this condition and prevent potential health risks. An accurate diagnosis helps determine the severity of the apnea, whether obstructive or central, and guides the selection of the appropriate treatment options, such as positive airway pressure therapy. This improves your quality of life by reducing snoring, frequent awakenings, and stabilizing your oxygen levels throughout the night.
The Benefits of Early Diagnosis
- Preventing serious complications: Early identification and treatment of sleep apnea reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes.
- Improved sleep quality: A quick diagnosis allows you to begin treatment sooner, helping you regain restorative sleep and reduce daytime fatigue.
- Reduced risk of accidents: Treating sleep apnea decreases the risk of excessive drowsiness while driving or at work.
- Better focus and memory: Quality sleep improves cognitive functions and concentration.
- Enhanced overall quality of life: Avoid long-term negative health effects by addressing sleep apnea early, leading to a healthier, more active lifestyle.
If you believe you may have sleep apnea, please contact us today!
The different sleep apnea tests offered at La Boîte à CPAP
Overnight Oximetry
Overnight oximetry measures oxygen saturation during sleep and is often ordered by physicians as an initial screening tool for respiratory health. Although helpful, this test is not sufficient to diagnose sleep apnea or obstructive apnea, especially if symptoms are present. If the results are negative, a cardiorespiratory polygraphy is usually required to further evaluate oxygen levels and respiratory events throughout the night.
Cardiorespiratory Polygraphy
Cardiorespiratory polygraphy is a more complete test that records airflow, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and body movements during sleep. This exam can diagnose about 90% of OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome). If the test does not show sleep apnea but symptoms persist, a full in-lab polysomnography is recommended to analyze sleep quality and confirm or rule out apnea.
How can a sleep apnea test improve your quality of life?
A sleep apnea test detects breathing interruptions during sleep, confirming the presence of apnea. This allows you to choose the right treatment options, such as positive airway pressure therapy, which reduces fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and frequent awakenings — helping you regain restorative sleep and better overall health.
Positive Diagnosis: What Are the Next Steps?
We can guide you toward the right solutions
If your sleep study confirms the presence of sleep apnea, we will guide you through personalized treatment options such as CPAP therapy. These solutions help you regain restorative sleep, reduce fatigue, and improve daytime alertness. At La Boîte à CPAP, you’ll receive courteous service, continuous support, and options adapted to your medical needs to improve your quality of life.
At La Boîte à CPAP, we provide solutions tailored to your needs.
Contact us